![]() A combination of medicines may be suggested or prescribed, depending on the child’s age. Any history of ear infections will be discussed. The child’s adenoids and throat will also be examined. The doctor uses an otoscope which lights the ear canal. Some children may experience dizziness.Ĭhildren should find nothing scary about ETD diagnosis.Parents may notice a speech delay or hearing problems.They may complain about ringing or popping noises in the ears.Children may express that their ears feel full. ![]() Good medical care is important to ensure that the child doesn’t suffer hearing loss. It is often hard for parents to recognize because the symptoms may be masked by a related illness. ETD Symptoms and DangersĪn ETD causes pressure and pain. A child is prone to fluid buildup when they have a cold, allergy-related nasal congestion, respiratory illness or sinus infection. In some cases, a child’s adenoids may be too big, blocking the tube’s opening. Without gravity to help direct it, fluid is more likely to get stuck inside the tube. The tubes are horizontal rather than slanted. In children, their natural tubes are smaller. This combination causes them to be more susceptible to ETD and ear infections. Why are Children so Vulnerable to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?Ĭhildren’s anatomy is different than an adult’s. Normally closed, the tube opens when a person swallows or yawns. This narrow passageway controls pressure on the eardrum. The eustachian tube is a narrow tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. ETD can be painful and can last from several hours to several weeks. This pressure causes sound to be muffled. Eustachian tube dysfunction causes increased air pressure on the outer side of the eardrum which pushes the eardrum inward. What is the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?Įustachian tube dysfunction is when the tube does not open properly, preventing air from entering the middle ear. To protect a child’s hearing, however, it is important to see an ear, nose and throat specialist if your child has inner ear problems. Antibiotics and decongestants may be all a child needs to get well. The good news is that surgery is not the first line of defense. If you want to know how to treat eustachian tube dysfunction, your Pediatric ENT doctor is ready to help. It often requires some medical intervention. ![]() Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Causes and TreatmentsĮustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and related inner ear problems affect seven out of ten children before they reach age 7. ![]()
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